Sorry for the delay in getting the blog updated...I had to eat humble pie and realize that I am not Superman. I was aiming for a 3:30 marathon finish but the 96% humidity and temperature just two degrees shy of cancelling the event caused a disappointing 43 minute delay in my expected arrival time! Nonetheless - I did cross the finish line at 4:13 for my time. So here is how it went: A strong start full of energy and butterflies. I began pacing at a 3:20 finish time for the first half of the marathon. A combination of the heat, humidity and the adrenaline that comes from over 300,000 spectators and 8,000+ runners caused an unexpected WALL at 
mile 15. I definitely hit it! I remember counting my steps with over 11 miles to go - that was when I felt that "out of body" feeling. I promised myself that I would never do this again. For the last ten miles I had to combine walking, jogging and running just to keep progressing toward the finish line! I knew for sure that I needed to get rested so I looked good running mile 24 where my wife, son & mother-in-law would be cheering me on! Once I crossed the finish line they threw the "Finisher" medal over my neck, handed me a bottle of water and I laid on the grass for the next forty-five minutes.
mile 15. I definitely hit it! I remember counting my steps with over 11 miles to go - that was when I felt that "out of body" feeling. I promised myself that I would never do this again. For the last ten miles I had to combine walking, jogging and running just to keep progressing toward the finish line! I knew for sure that I needed to get rested so I looked good running mile 24 where my wife, son & mother-in-law would be cheering me on! Once I crossed the finish line they threw the "Finisher" medal over my neck, handed me a bottle of water and I laid on the grass for the next forty-five minutes. While my time was not what I expected and somewhat disappointing to me - I was encouraged by fellow runners who told me that these were the worst Twin Cities Marathon conditions in history. Well - now I feel like I have some unfinished business on the table. There are better times to be had ahead. Even though I promised myself I would never do this again - I am way too competitive to let things end this way. Now Grandma's Marathon awaits me in June. See you in Canal Park at the finish. Come early. I will be there in 3:30 (or sooner!)!!!
1 comment:
Glad to hear that you finished!! We thought about you that day - the Chicago marathon was the same day, and was canceled after it started. We wondered about the weather in the Twin Cities. Sounded yucky! We're excited to hear how the next marathon goes...although we will have to wait a long time!:)
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